3 reasons why WordPress is the best Content Management System (CMS)

WordPress is fast becoming one of the most popular CMS’s (Content Management Systems) of today. For those of you who are not familiar with the terminology, the question may arise what exactely is a CMS?

Static websites are becoming less prevelant in the Internet World today. A CMS system allows the general user with little technical knowledge to be able to update their website.

This is a beneficial scenario for most, because it allows the website owner to be able to update the website instantly. Without having to send the request to the original Web Developer. Furthermore, although a CMS maybe more costly up front. It is potentially more cost effective in the long run if the website owner is looking to make updates frequently. Saving the cost of the website owner in not having to pay the web developer each time an update is made. Finally, CMS websites have become more popular because websites are used differently than they were in the early days. Whereas in the early era of the Internet, websites were mainly considered on-line brochures. Whereas now, they are used as a cost effective means to communicate with current clientele. And to provide updates on the latest news, promotions and events. Especially when compared to utilizing tradition media such as print material.

There are many CMS’s available, some of the names of popular systems include : WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Posterous, Typepad and Vignette. And of that list, WordPress remains the most popular. And while WordPress is not technically the most superior, its current success and popularity breeds more success. Similar to the 1980s in the VHS and BETA wars. VHS won as the predominant product by its strong following, even though BETA was technically superior. So the most technically advanced product doesn’t always win the race. Here are 3 good reasons on why you should select WordPress as your CMS for your website.

REASON #1 – IT’S THE EASIEST TO USE

WordPress began its life strictly as a blogging platform in its inception. A blog by technical definition is a CMS system. As a blog allows a user to easily add, update and delete information with little technical knowledge. However, there is a familiar format with a blog, which resembles an online diary with respective time stamps. Since a Blog and a CMS system are similar in functionality, WordPress evolved to be a full-fledged CMS, in addition to having blogging functionality. Being based on a blog system, its user interface was created on a easy to follow system.

WordPress is similar to using Microsoft word. Including its general structure and being able to format text, add pictures, embed videos etc. Also since WordPress is the most popular system, user friendliness is always improving. Since the general consensus of what is most intuitive helps to sway future design improvements.

Other CMS systems like Joomla and Drupal are catered to the more technical user. Allowing for a variety of features which most average users would never look at. Which most users would feel intimidated by having too many options. And find the user interface inundating with technical details. Which somewhat defeats the purpose, since often the technical user would be able to design their own website from stratch. And would not require a CMS website when compared to the average user.

WordPress is catered to the laymen user in its user interface. Chances are if you can use Microsoft Word, you can use WordPress.

REASON #2 – IT’S FREE

Unlike expensive commercial CMS software which may cost upward to $250,000(Vignette). Wordpress is free and does not require any recurring licensing fees. The reason for this is WordPress is Open Source software. Open source software means the programming code is open to the public and free for any programmer to modify and improve upon the general structure. And the collective WordPress community often looks to continuously improve and expand on its basic functionality.

Open source software has come a long way from its early heydeys. In the past Open source software was often inferior to its commercial counterparts. However, with the large growth of proponents of Open source software, often they now surpass commercial grade packages. Aside from design fees in customizing a WordPress web design, there are no recurring cost.

REASON #3 – IT’S EASY TO EXPAND

Let’s face it, the Internet is never at a stand still. As it continues to grow at an overwhelming rate. Moving the bare minimum expectations along the way.

Since WordPress has one of the strongest followings as a CMS website platform. It also has one of the largest supplies of add-ons and plug-ins. Such as SEO Plug-ins, Social Networking integration tools, Slide Show plug-ins, etc. Also, security is an important concern when selecting a CMS website Especially with the growing threat of Website Viruses (You can read more about Website Viruses from our previous blog post). It’s always important to get the latest security patches. Which is easy to apply by a simple click of the mouse.

So you get an up date, expandable Content Management Systems that moves with the current trends in technology!

STILL NOT CONVINCED YET?

Like fashion sense, taste in food and favourite cars, we all have our own preferences. The more technical users may prefer a more advanced package such as Joomla or Drupal. However, to most users its important for a CMS software to be easy to use, cost effective and easy to upgrade. WordPress continues to grow at a rapid rate and will only expand further on the key requirements for the average web user. WordPress is here to stay and isn’t going anywhere. So if your deciding in your new design which CMS to choose, chances are WordPress is the way!